Chinese New Year Cultural Festival in KathmanduThursday, February 15th, 2024

Post Event Press Release

15 February 2024, Kathmandu

Nepal Tourism Board, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nepal, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC), Bhaktapur Municipality (BM) and National Sports Council (NSC) jointly organized the first Chinese New Year Cultural Festival in Kathmandu successfully. The month – long festival was celebrated from 14 January to 14 February 2024 with series of events – Chinese New Year Lantern Show, New Year Eve Parade in Thamel, New Year Parade in Durbar Marga, New Year Fair at Tundikhel, New Year Performances in Durbar Squares of Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Gahana Pokhari; and Nepal-China Friendship Football Match in Dashrath Stadium.

The events were executed in coordination with All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), Nepal Wushu Federation (NWF), Nepal Overseas Chinese Association (NOCA), Chinese Enterprises Association in Nepal (CEAN), Cultural Corporation, Kantipur Media Group and Kutumba Band and BYD Motors.

The New Year’s celebration started with “Chinese New Year Celebration Launching Ceremony”, with a special performance on 14^th January with various cultural performance of songs, dance, acrobats, instrumental music, magic from Yunnan Province. The program was graced by Rt. Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal as Chief Guest along with former Prime Ministers, major political leaders, Government officials, Security officials, Diplomats from Resident Missions, Tourism leaders and media.

As part of the month long event series Shangdong Photography Exhibition jointly inaugurated by NTB CEO, Dr. Dhananjay Regmi and Chairman of Bingzhou Photography Association, Mr. Li Jian Ming at NTB on 22^nd January 2024. The week long exhibition “Flying Over the Himalayas – Nepal/Shandong (Binzhou) Cultural Week” and the “Qi Lu Splendors” showcased the beauty of Shandong and Bizhou through 60 photos. The exhibition was instrumental in promoting cultural and tourism development between the two countries through such collaborative efforts. Other special programs “Happy Spring Festival”, The Losar (Tibetan New Year) in Kathmandu and Pokhara were held simultaneously.

The “Chinese New Year Lantern Show” in Ratna Park, Kathmandu was jointly inaugurated on 7^th February by Hon. Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Sudan Kirati and HE Mr Chen Song. On 9^th February, the eve of Chinese New Year celebration in Kathmandu, a New Year Parade in Thamel was organized in presence of Chief Guest former Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Prakash Man Singh. The parade was participated by His Excellency Mr. Chen Song, local Nepalese people, tourists, Chinese nationals residing in Nepal and many curious onlookers. The parade made a round to different bustling streets of the place showcasing the captivating performance for the first time in Nepal fascinating the audience with Chinese Kirin, Dragon and Lion Dance.

Similarly, a Cultural Parade in Durbar Marg was held with much fanfare on 10^th February morning. Chinese cultural troupes showcased the Dragon, Lion and Kirin dances along with Nepalese cultural performances Lakhey and Kumari and other dances that captivated the audiences hugely. Hundreds of people on the roadside were enthralled to see the streets full of artistes in colorful cultural attire. Chief Guest of the program Ms Sewa Lamsal, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal and HE Mr Chen Song, Ambassador, People’s Republic of China to Nepal along with dignitaries of different Nepalese organizations were present at the function. The dragon symbolizes power, good luck, fortune and prosperity in Chinese.

The highlight of the New Year’s celebration was Nepal – China Friendship Football Match held at Dasharath Stadium on 10^th February afternoon. Nepal led the match by 5-1, making a major sweep over China’s Qinghai Provincial Youth Football Team and won the Lunar New Year Cup. Rt. Hon’ble Chairman of National Assembly Mr. Ganesh Timalsina, His Excellency Ambassador of Chinese Embassy Mr. Chen Song, Youth and Sports Minister Hon’ble Dig Bahadur Limbu, Member Secretary of National Sports Council Mr. Tanka Lal Ghising, representatives from various Diplomatic Missions in Nepal and other dignitaries were present at the event. Cultural performances by Cultural Corporation from Nepal and Dragon, Lion, and Kirin dance from Chinese troupes and popular Nepali folk instrumental band Kutumba were made in between.

A closing Gala Dinner with cultural program by Nepal Tourism Board was organised in honour of the players, cultural troupes, delegates from China, VIPs and other guests.

In continuation of the event, Rt. Hon’ble Indira Rana Magar, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives inaugurated the 3 day  Chinese New Year Fair held on 12^th February. His Excellency Mr. Chen Song, various political leaders and Ms Nandini Lahe Thapa, Off. CEO of Nepal Tourism Board were present at the event. The fair held in open air grounds of Tundikhel had stalls of food, auto show, book fair, open clinic, product exhibition and sales of furniture and other commodities.

The Cultural Parade in Handigaun held on 14^th February in ” Handigaun Dabali” was attended by Chief Guests His Excellency Mr. Chen Song and Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Ms. Sunita Dangol.  Local cultural performance of Handigaun along with musical instruments and the Chinese Dragon, Lion and Kirin dances were also performed in the parade. Handigaun is the oldest urban settlement of the valley and has almost 2000 year old rich history and culture. Chief guests, dignitaries, NTB officials, community members, locals and the performers from both sides paraded from Kotal Marg in front of Gahana Pokhari to Dabali  and back to Gahana Pokhari.

The Cultural Parade in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a world heritage site was held on 14^th February afternoon after finishing the Handigaun parade. The ancient city Bhaktapur also known as Bhadgaon is a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different Gods and Goddesses. The city inhabited by indigenous Newari people in large groups take pride in their rich culture and heritage practiced very much till today. The city once housed the Malla Kings from 15^th to late 18^th century until the Kingdom was conquered in 1769 by late King Prithvi Narayan Shah.
His Excellency Mr. Chen Song, Mayor of Bhaktapur Mr. Sunil Prajapati, Deputy Mayor Ms Rajani Joshi, all Ward Chairmen, NTB officials dignitaries, committee members, locals and visitors rallied within the Durbar Square with a formal program. The Chinese cultural troupes showcased the Dragon, Lion and Kirin dances whereas Nepalese side showcased the indigenous Makha Pyakha (monkey dance), Navadurga, Lakhey dance preserved and passed down from generations on. The audience were enthralled with all cultural performances.

The Cultural Parade in Patan Durbar Square, also a world heritage site was held in the late afternoon of 14^th February after finishing Bhaktapur. Patan, famous as the oldest city in the Kathmandu Valley is also known as the “City of Fine Arts.” The exquisite artwork and architectural buildings scattered in and around the Patan Durbar Square, are from the 16^th century and onwards. Most of the monuments of this Palace Complex were built during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla (1618 to 1661 AD), the first independent Malla dynasty King of Patan. His other great contribution is Krishna Mandir (1636 AD) dedicated to Lord Krishna which is the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal.

His Excellency Mr. Chen Song, Lalitpur Ward 5 Chairman Mr. Bikas Man Shrestha, officials from Lalitpur Metropolitan city, NTB officials, dignitaries, committee members, locals and visitors to Patan Durbar Square rallied within the Durbar Square with a formal program. The Chinese cultural troupes showcased the Dragon, Lion and Kirin dances whereas Nepalese side showcased the indigenous Lakhey and Newari dances, instrumental flute, Dhimey Baja (drum of Newars) etc. A Newari Bhoj ( Newari feast) with Newari cultural program along with Mangal Dhun (an auspicious tune played during festivals & celebrations) was organized by Lalitpur Metropolitan City for guests and artistes that enthralled them with rich experience of Newar culture and tradition.

Chinese New Year also known as the Spring Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China and celebrated by Chinese communities around the world. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year. The festival is a time for family reunions, feasting, gift-giving and honoring ancestors because it signals the beginning of spring in the region. The celebration also includes various cultural activities, such as dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and lantern festivals. These activities are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Nepal and China share a historical close cultural and economic relation. They both boast rich histories and splendid cultures, with deep rooted cultural heritage. Cultural exchange is a crucial way to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of two countries. This event will undoubtedly strengthen the cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and contribute to the development and cooperation in tourism, trade and investment.

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